The other day, as I was scanning the media, I fell upon the anodyne article about how the Obamas and Steven Spielberg and partner dined at a restaurant in Barcelona, in company of Bruce Springsteen, after attending the latter’s concert in that city. If you care to read the referenced article you will find out about the event and what they ate and if they drank or not - but then again if you don’t, you have not lost much, except for the information about the name of the restaurant that you can use the next time you are in Barcelona, and you want to eat where the rich, hip and famous munch.
I don’t know why, but reading this article made me have a flashback to a late night episode long time ago, when John Travolta and Billy Joel were on top of their careers and were the names in town to talk about. Both bachelors, with lots of followers who wanted to absorb their every word, every news and every move. And that was before any social media ever showed up.
Anyways, that night I was watching one of those late night TV talk/host shows. The host first received Travolta and chatted with him, then suddenly announced that Billy Joel was passing to say hi. Which he did. Some conversation, then the two stars got up and left together, because they were going to an event. All of this also showed that they were good friends. I don’t know if they are still good friends, but for some reason, those few minutes and the way they left the show stayed with me. Maybe I was star-struck in my early adulthood!
Reading the article and looking at the picture of the restaurant staff with the three celebrities, I had two thoughts. One was the flashback I told you about; I guess it made me realize that Barack Obama has reached rock star and artist status and hangs out with cool people, now that he does not have to worry about how to keep the US strong and free.
And the second thought? Where are the two partners in the picture? I find it strange that neither Michelle Obama, nor Kate Capshaw were in the picture. What was it? The staff just wanted to have the three main stars? Or the two ladies were shy and/or not interested? Or maybe the post presidential and old celebrity protocols do not allow it? In addition, the two men did not think of asking their partners to join in? Anyways, this is a mystery to me and until it gets resolved, I see an international crisis risk between the US and Spain! What do you think?
Paris, May 1, 2023
Zeejay